Mercedes-Benz 350SDL Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement at your home or office.

Our mobile mechanics offer services 7 days a week. Upfront and transparent pricing.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(5,600)

Included for free with this service

Online Booking

Mechanic comes to you

12-month / 12k-mile warranty

Free 50 point safety inspection

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Customer Ratings

(5,600)

Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement Service

How much does a Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Mercedes-Benz 350SDL Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $324 with $125 for parts and $199 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1990 Mercedes-Benz 350SDLL6-3.4L Turbo DieselService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$490.66Shop/Dealer Price$589.71 - $804.16
1991 Mercedes-Benz 350SDLL6-3.4L Turbo DieselService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$448.66Shop/Dealer Price$547.77 - $762.27
Show example Mercedes-Benz 350SDL Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement prices

What is the Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) all about?

Modern automotive HVAC systems have advanced by leaps and bounds over those used just a few years ago. Today, many high and even mid-range cars offer automatic climate control. This function basically allows you to “set it and forget it,” allowing the car’s computer to control the heating and cooling based on your preferred interior temperature. In order to do this, the computer needs information about not only the temperature inside the car, but also the ambient temperature outside the car.

The ambient temperature sensor (switch) is located either behind the front grille or in the front bumper. Its only job is to monitor air temperature (which it does through increasing/decreasing resistance in response to temperature fluctuations). This information is transmitted to the car’s computer, which then adjusts the climate control to meet your specifications.

If the ambient temperature sensor is damaged or fails, the car’s computer will not be able to automatically control the HVAC system, and the heater and air conditioner will only work in manual mode.

Keep in mind:

  • Because of its location, the ambient temperature sensor can be easily damaged in even minor front-end collisions.
  • Sensor failure is common even without an accident.

How it's done:

  • The ambient temperature sensor switch is verified to see if it needs to be replaced
  • The defective ambient temperature sensor switch is removed
  • The new ambient temperature sensor switch is installed
  • The ambient temperature sensor switch is tested for operation
  • The vehicle is tested to ensure proper operation of the ambient temperature sensor switch

Our recommendation:

Without the information provided by the ambient temperature sensor, your car’s computer does not have sufficient data to control the interior temperature, and will revert to manual HVAC control. You’ll still be able to use your air conditioner and heater, but only in manual mode, not in auto. If you suspect a problem with the ambient temperature sensor, have it diagnosed by one of our expert mechanics and replaced if necessary.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch)?

  • HVAC auto mode will not work
  • HVAC auto mode produces delivers inconsistent/incorrect operation
  • HVAC will only work in manual mode
  • Outside temperatures may display incorrectly

How important is this service?

Having automatic climate control is definitely a convenience, but not critical to the operation of your vehicle. The heater will still operate to clear the windows and provide heating and cooling on manual mode. If the ambient temperature sensor is faulty, have it replaced.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Mercedes-Benz mechanics

Real customer reviews from Mercedes-Benz owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(5,600)

Rating Summary
5,210
189
54
28
119
5,210
189
54
28
119

Maxwell

18 years of experience
390 reviews
Maxwell
18 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz C230 V6-2.5L - Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) - Spring, Texas
Maxwells is very knowledgeable about his job. He’s very easy to work with an a great talker lol.

Albert

15 years of experience
46 reviews
Albert
15 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz C230 V6-2.5L - Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) - San Bernardino, California
Absolutely knowledgeable and professional!!! Albert was great. Fast, explained in detail everything I needed to know about the condition of my car. I’m a lady understandably objective to mechanics, but Albert was unmistakably trustworthy and efficient. I appreciate all your assistance Albert! And... I’ll definitely recommend him to friends and family. P.S. My car is PURRRRRING!!!!!

Dellano

18 years of experience
518 reviews
Dellano
18 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz CLK550 V8-5.5L - Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement - Bowie, Maryland
Very pleasant, and efficient. Knowledgeable about repair. Was able to come ahead of scheduled appointment time which was much appreciated.

Chad

16 years of experience
76 reviews
Chad
16 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz S600 V12-6.0L - Car is not starting - Richmond, Virginia
CHAD, THANKS FOR WHAT YOU DONE,I AM GOING TO GET IT INSPECTED AND HAVE MY CHARGING SYSTEM CHECK OUT.I AM GOING TO RESTORE MY BIGBODY CAN YOU HELP!!!

Excellent Rating

(5,600)

Rating Summary
5,210
189
54
28
119
5,210
189
54
28
119
Number of Mercedes-Benz services completed
61600+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Mercedes-Benz MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
When When Toyota first introduced the Prius, the idea seemed to be that all hybrids and electric cars had to have their own specific models and that they couldn’t look like normal cars. A lot of consumers weren’t too thrilled...
2012 Chrysler 200 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu: Which One Should I Buy?
When you are looking for a small-range sedan, you need to get somewhere quickly and inexpensively, and may even need to take a few kids with you. Slightly larger than a commuter car, these mid-size options offer decent gas mileage,...
How to Install Hood Pins on Your Car
Hood pins are used as a secondary restraint for the hood and are attached by a pin and plate drilled through the hood.

Car has chirping sound on rough roads

Hello there, A few different things can cause this type of noise. The most common would be interior pieces rubbing against each other, a wind noise, or one of the window seals. I'd suggest having the car looked at by...

EPS light came on

Hi. It sounds like the electric rack and pinion is malfunctioning causing the ESP light to come on. There also could be a problem with the battery and or the charging system not working properly causing low voltage in the...

My truck is backfiring when idling and when accelerating will not drive.

You may have a broken valve spring or sticking valves and will need to have the engine compression tested to see if one or more cylinders are low on compression and may need to have a valve job done.

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com